Exploring Older Adults' Experiences and Perceptions with a Peer-Led Wheelchair Training Program. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pellichero, Alice; Best, Krista L.; Routhier, François; Miller, William C.
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Volume 87:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 192
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Older adults -- Participation -- Peer-support -- Self-efficacy; Fauteuil roulant manuel -- Participation -- Personnes âgées -- Sentiment d'efficacité personnelle -- Soutien par les pairs; Occupational therapy -- Canada -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Canada -- Periodicals; Therapeutics, Physiological -- Canada -- Periodicals; 615.8515
• DOI: 10.1177/0008417420922635
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-4174

Abstract

Background: Manual wheelchair (MWC) training is important, but less than 50% of new wheelchair users receive any training. The Wheelchair training Self-efficacy Enhanced for Use (WheelSeeU), a community-based peer-led MWC training program, is feasible and effective for improving wheelchair skills. However, implementing effective programs requires an understanding of stakeholders' experiences. Purpose: Explore older adults' perceptions about their participation in the WheelSeeU program. Method: Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants who completed the WheelSeeU program. Thematic analysis was conducted. Findings: Three themes emerged. 1. Getting my life back described participants' perceived impact of the WheelSeeU program on their lives. 2. I can do it too, implied critical facilitators for success. 3. Social gains, revealed participants' feelings of social inclusion through participation in the program. Implications: Older adults expressed satisfaction and quality of participation with the WheelSeeU program that increased autonomy, improved MWC mobility and self-efficacy, and enhanced social connectedness.